Dr. Saima

Dr. Saima is a paediatric dentist and lecturer whose practice is built around a simple observation: most adults who are frightened of dentists were frightened as children, and nobody dealt with it at the time.

She works using the Tell-Show-Do approach — every instrument is explained, then demonstrated, then used, so nothing happens to a child that they have not already seen happen harmlessly. Appointments move at the child's pace rather than the schedule's, which is why her first visits are usually booked with extra time.

Her clinical work covers routine examinations, fluoride varnish, fissure sealants, milk-tooth fillings, pulpotomy and space maintainers, along with early orthodontic screening to catch developing bite problems while they are still simple to correct.

She also spends a good deal of each appointment with the parent rather than the child — brushing technique for small children, what actually causes decay in milk teeth, and which habits are worth worrying about versus which resolve on their own.

For families who would prefer a female dentist, Dr. Saima sees both children and adult patients.